Neurotransmitters

Lec 6

Chemical synapses

Dopamine / Substantia Nigra

• Physiological Role; controlling movement, thought processes, emotions, and the pleasure centers of the brain (Ventral tegmental area “VTA” & Nucleus accumbens).

• Pathology; Destruction of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra is the basic cause of Parkinson's disease.

• Schizophrenic patients indicate elevated level of D2 receptors